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Saturday, March 2, 2013

Make The Classroom Sensory-Friendly Today

I've always been highly affected by my surroundings. I can't tell
you how many times I've changed doctors, dentists, hotel rooms and even
classrooms. It might not necessarily be a sensory-processing issue, but there
is no doubt that I'll react either physically or emotionally if the room does
not "feel good".

Therefore, I've been very aware of the children in my
class who might also need a modification in the classroom space, materials,
light, noise or smells. In fact, when I have students who begin to demonstrate
inappropriate behavior, the first thing I do is change the child's immediate
surroundings. Often, that is all that needed in order to correct the
misbehavior.

Below is a sample of strategies that can be used to make a classroom
sensory-friendly. By making a classroom sensory-friendly, children who have
sensory-processing issues can truly focus on the learning activities without
distraction or discomfort. These strategies can be used hourly, daily, monthly
or for the entire year. The purpose is to give teachers and parents ways to
help keep children happy, engaged and learning in the inclusive class.

Classroom Space

•big tables

•small tables

•groups of tables

•desks in groups

•desks in pairs

•individual workstations

•quiet area

•carpet area

•cozy reading space

•clutter control

•color coordination

•play areas with boundaries

•open windows

•temperature change

Classroom Materials

•bins for keeping
materials organized

•centers with a
variety of activities

•mini carpets to
sit on at circle time/center time

•a variety of
books to read at various reading levels

•fidgets

•visual timers

•visual planners

•bean bag chairs

•audio-visual
materials

Lighting

•natural light

•lamps

•1 or 2
flourescent lights on

•light diffuser

•closed blinds

Noise

•quiet work time

•talking work
time

•music playing in
the background

•ticking clock

•"white
noise" ie. circulating fan

Smells

•"no
perfume" zone

•food kept in
airtight containers

•no smelly
markers/crayons

•fresh air
flowing

•desks cleaned
out regularly

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